Welcome to your Forensic Investigation course

Level Up Your Forensics Skills with Diverse Learning!

This course isn't just lectures – it's a hands-on journey into the world of Forensics. Get ready to:

• Master the Basics: We'll kick things off with lectures that break down key theories and crime scene approaches.
• Get Practical: Dive into workshops, laboratories and our new immersive environments to develop real-world forensic skills, from analysing evidence to processing a crime scene.
• Level Up Online: Supplement your learning with online resources and discussions – perfect for studying on your own schedule.
• Deepen Your Understanding: Conduct your own research and explore topics that pique your interest.

Semester Structure & Class Sizes:

We break down the year into two 15-week semesters. Most modules span both semesters, allowing you to see the bigger picture and how concepts connect.

When it comes to class sizes, variety is key! In some cases, you will work in small groups (imagine reconstructing a crime scene with a tight-knit team!) while in others you’ll be participating in larger multi-disciplinary lectures or workshops - Meet a diverse group of classmates and get a feel for the collaborative nature of forensics.

This mix of learning styles prepares you for the real world, where you'll need to adapt and use your skills in different situations. Get ready to build your knowledge, have fun, and become a forensics expert!

Jump straight in with introductory lectures that explore the core principles of forensics, from historic miscarriages of justice through to your future role in the Criminal Justice System. You'll step into the shoes of a crime scene investigator and delve into the proper procedures for securing and processing a crime scene, including evidence collection, documentation and photography.

In semester 1, you'll participate in introductory workshops where you'll learn basic laboratory procedures and get comfortable using essential tools and equipment to build a strong foundation in various scientific and investigative disciplines.

And among all that you will find the first few weeks are also a great time to meet your fellow classmates and instructors. Expect icebreakers, group activities, and introductions to your academic support network, including tutors and advisors.

There are lots of online resources that are relevant to forensics that you can access before you arrive on campus. These are not compulsory, but here are a few to get you started:

• Introduce yourself to the subject with this simplified guide to forensic science
• Read the New Scientist Forensics to learn more about research into forensic investigation methods
• Listen to our CrimeTapes Podcast
• Listen to The Life of a Real CSI Podcast
• Listen to the podcast Listening to the Dead - Forensics uncovered
• Access ‘In The Loop’
• Watch Forensics:The Real CSI on BBC iPlayer
• Watch Crime Scenes Scotland Forensics Squad on YouTube
• Netflix: If you have a subscription, there are a number of true-crime documentaries available: netflix.com/browse/genre/9875

Additional Resources:

• The College of Policing website also offers a range of material associated with forensics, from key process to job roles and requirements to articles on forensic based practice. For this article on ‘Forensic marking to deter repeat victimisation related to domestic abuse and sexual offences’.
• The Forensic Regulator ensures that the provision of forensic science services across the criminal justice system is subject to an appropriate regime of scientific quality standards.
• The European Network of Forensic Institutes produces a variety of best practice manuals on a range of topics that you might find interesting to scan through, but lease don’t feel you need to read them. They might come in useful during the course though.
• Visit the webpages of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences who are the professional body for the area.

Are you studying with a Foundation year?

Your Foundation Year provides a wonderful opportunity to develop the skills needed for the successful completion of your degree. The topic areas will give you the best introduction to the core discipline and academic skills that will underpin your forensics degree

You should purchase a scientific calculator prior to starting on the course.

There are a multitude of resources that you will make use of and are available to you to use as a student at the University, you can access these through the link below.

Software link: https://staffsuniversity.sharepoint.com/sites/software/SitePages/Home.aspx

In the Staffordshire area before you start your studies? Why not attend the free Staffordshire Police Open Day on 15^th September for a great day out, meet with career professionals and some of our staff before you get into the day-to-day of your degree.

Details to follow.

Listen to the views of Emma, one of our recent graduates, as she talks through her time with us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_83bTlmgPMI

Being a member of a Student Society or Sports Team is a great way to meet other students and our Students' Union have a wide range of societies you can join.

Staffordshire University Women in STEM: https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/27580/

Forensic and Crime Science Society: https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/facs/

• Mental Wellbeing - https://www.staffs.ac.uk/study/disabled/mental_wellbeing/
• Student Support - https://www.staffs.ac.uk/students
• Financial Support - https://www.staffs.ac.uk/students/money-matters/student-support-fund
• Study Support from the Library - https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/c.php?g=654666&p=4599175 and http://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/libraryresources